EFFECT OF SCREEN ADDICTION EDUCATION FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN AGED 4-6 ON PROBLEMATIC MEDIA USE AND DIGITAL PARENTING SELF-EFFICACY

Overview

This study aims to examine the effect of screen addiction education given to parents of children aged 4-6 on children's problematic media use and parents digital parenting self-efficacy. The widespread use of digital technologies in early childhood has increased children's media habits and led to a risk of problematic screen use. It is known that parent knowledge and attitudes toward digital media directly influence children's media behaviors. Therefore, this study will evaluate the effectiveness of parental education in reducing children's problematic media use and improving parents digital parenting skills.

The rapid development of digital technologies has significantly changed the lifestyles of children in early childhood. The widespread use of digital devices such as televisions, tablets, smartphones, and computers has integrated media into children's play, learning, and socialization processes. However, this also increases the risk of problematic media use and screen addiction, particularly during the critical developmental period of ages 4-6. Previous studies indicate that children's media usage behaviors are directly influenced by parents knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding digital media. In this context, digital parenting self-efficacy refers to parents' ability to manage, guide, and protect their children's digital media use. However, many parents struggle to adapt to the rapidly evolving digital environment and face difficulties in effectively regulating their children's media consumption. This study is designed to evaluate the effect of screen addiction education provided to parents of children aged 4-6 on children's problematic media use and parents digital parenting self-efficacy. The intervention includes training on digital media use, screen time management, and protective parenting strategies. The study is expected to contribute to the development of healthy media habits in early childhood and to strengthen parents digital parenting skills.